Who Really Defeated Nazi Germany

The defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II was a collective effort by the Allied powers, each contributing in unique and significant ways. While it is impossible to credit any single nation entirely, here's an overview of the key contributions:

### **1. The Soviet Union (Eastern Front)**
- **Major Battles**: The Soviet Union bore the brunt of the war on the Eastern Front, fighting 75-80% of the German military. Key victories include the **Battle of Stalingrad** (1942-1943), which marked a turning point, and the **Battle of Kursk** (1943), the largest tank battle in history.
- **Casualties and Contribution**: The Soviets suffered massive losses, with estimates of over 20 million deaths. They pushed German forces back to Berlin, capturing the city in May 1945.

### **2. The United States (Western Front and Pacific Theater)**
- **Industrial Power**: The U.S. provided critical industrial and economic support through the **Lend-Lease program**, supplying weapons, vehicles, and food to Allied nations.
- **D-Day and Beyond**: American forces played a leading role in the **Normandy invasion (D-Day)** in June 1944, which opened a crucial Western Front. U.S. troops advanced through France and Germany.
- **Strategic Bombing**: The U.S. Air Force conducted extensive bombing campaigns, targeting German industries and cities.

### **3. The United Kingdom and Commonwealth**
- **Battle of Britain**: The UK successfully defended against the German Luftwaffe in 1940, preventing a Nazi invasion.
- **Intelligence and Resistance Support**: British intelligence cracked the **Enigma code**, providing crucial information. The UK also supported resistance movements across Europe.
- **Key Campaigns**: British forces were instrumental in North Africa, Italy, and the liberation of Western Europe.

### **4. Other Allied Nations**
- **France**: Despite early defeat, French resistance forces and Free French troops contributed to liberation efforts, including during and after D-Day.
- **China**: Although focused on the Pacific theater, China tied down significant Japanese forces, indirectly aiding the Allies in Europe by preventing the Axis from pooling resources.
- **Canada, Australia, and Other Commonwealth Nations**: These countries contributed troops, resources, and expertise to various campaigns.

### **Conclusion**
The Soviet Union made the largest military sacrifices, while the U.S. provided essential resources and opened a second front. The UK maintained resistance and intelligence operations while defending its own territory. The combined efforts of these and other nations led to the ultimate defeat of Nazi Germany. Victory was a shared achievement of a global coalition.